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Donor Impact Stories

Helping Hands

Helping Hands

The Sweet Life Fund helps burn victims survive tough times


Scott Sweet was just a second-grader when he was severely burned by a live wire. He spent countless days in the hospital and still remembers the sadness of missed recesses and feeling isolated from his schoolmates. But the care he received made a lasting impression, inspiring him and his wife Cathy to help other children dealing with similar medical crises.

Scott and Cathy established the Sweet Life Fund at Communities Foundation of Texas, and the first grant they made was to Parkland Foundation. Through this grant, they started the Scott and Cathy Sweet Endowment to benefit Parkland’s Burn Center to support, enhance and improve the recovery of burn patients. And while Scott and Cathy would love to see the rooms on that floor empty, they know their partnership with CFT will continue to provide lasting care for current and future patients.

Meet Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld

Meet Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld

In 2018, Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld established the Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld Charitable Fund at CFT, a donor-advised fund that they use to support their passion for the arts and equity.

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A Passion for Opportunity

A Passion for Opportunity

Kristofer Robinson Scholarship Fund at CFT provides educational opportunities for paraplegic and quadriplegic students in Texas

Established after a tragic automobile accident that left the late Kristofer Robinson paralyzed from the neck down, the Kristofer Robinson Scholarship Fund at CFT was created to support the education of paraplegic or quadriplegic individuals. One recent scholarship recipient of the Kristofer Robinson Scholarship Fund is Nathan McClintock.

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A Passion for Education

A Passion for Education

Om & Shanti Funds at CFT provides scholarships and opportunities to students

For the Sethis, giving back is a family affair. Parvesh and Jeet Sethi have two charitable funds at CFT: the Om & Shanti Scholarship Fund and the Om & Shanti Fund, a donor-advised fund. Both their family fund and their scholarship fund are centered around providing educational opportunities for students.

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A Passion for Community

A Passion for Community

Mary Anne Sammons Cree leaves legacy of giving through CFT's Live Oak Legacy Society

Mary Anne Sammons Cree had a passion for our North Texas community. She spent her life giving back in support of the causes that mattered most to her—the performing and visual arts, museums, education, and nature.

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A Passion for the Arts

A Passion for the Arts

Cece Smith Lacy and Ford Lacy fund new works from arts organizations through their fund at CFT

As Cece Smith Lacy and Ford Lacy began their estate planning process, they came to Communities Foundation of Texas for assistance with their planned giving. During their research, they learned about donor-advised funds and decided to open the Cece Smith Lacy and John Ford Lacy Fund at CFT to support their giving during their lifetime.

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A Passion for Giving

A Passion for Giving

CFT’s NTX Giving Day becomes an annual celebration for the Ngo family

Joylynn Huynh-Ngo’s children haven’t quite made it out of elementary school, but they know a thing or two about whipping up batches of boba tea, cookies, and lemonade, and sharing their creations with and for the community.

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